Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: An 18-year-old youth died after suffering severe injuries when he was pushed into the glass front of a clothing shop during a clash in Pallichal near Thiruvananthapuram. Police have arrested three people in connection with the case and are investigating the role of two others.

The victim, Shiva Soorya of Ayanimoodu, was injured on Saturday night following an altercation that police say was linked to a dispute dating back to a football match held around one-and-a-half years ago.

Long-standing rivalry linked to incident

According to investigators, Shiva Soorya had gone to a football turf in Bhagavathinada on Saturday evening. During the game, he reportedly crossed paths with some of the accused, with whom he had previous differences.

Later, a group of youths allegedly confronted him near Punnamoodu. What began as a verbal argument soon turned into a physical fight on the roadside.

Police said Shiva Soorya was pushed towards the glass entrance of a nearby textile shop. The glass shattered on impact, and broken pieces caused deep injuries and heavy bleeding.

He was seriously wounded and collapsed at the scene.

Injuries worsened while being taken to hospital, police say

Police said two of the accused took the injured youth to hospital on a motorcycle instead of waiting for emergency medical assistance.

It is said that the manner in which he was transported may have aggravated his injuries. His legs reportedly scraped against the road surface during the journey, causing one toe to be severely damaged by the time he reached the hospital.

Hospital authorities alerted police after noticing the nature of the injuries. Shiva Soorya later succumbed to his wounds.

Following the alert, police took Ajith and Karthikeyan into custody from the hospital. Further investigation led to the arrest of Aromal.

All three are residents of Pallichal.

Murder case registered

Naruvamoodu police have booked the accused under provisions relating to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police said one more suspect has been identified and efforts are under way to determine the involvement of another person believed to be linked to the incident.

After a post-mortem examination at Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, the body was handed over to relatives. The funeral was later held at the family's property in Kattakada.